Ascension Catholic School

#InviteGoodness

 

Our Mission

Ascension School recognizes that each individual is a child of God – having a divine origin and an eternal destiny. In an atmosphere of trust, openness and respect, each student is guided first to the idea and then to the realization of a process of formation which helps each child achieve understanding, acceptance and utilization of his/her God-given talents. Ascension School provides opportunities for fostering the growth of religious attitudes, moral behavior and academic achievement. Every student is challenged to strive for excellence at the highest possible level of formation.

Our History

Ascension School was established in 1941 by Fr. John F. Godfrey. It began a two room schoolhouse with 56 students. Classes were taught by two Sisters from Most Precious Blood, who lived at St. Monica's and traveled each day by bus. In 1958, the first portion of the current school was built on six adjoining acres, and Fr. Godfrey’s suggestion of naming the street Santa Maria Drive was approved.  In 1977, the current church was erected, and four classrooms and two offices were added on to the school.  The expansion continued in 1984 with the additon of the gym, MPR and more classrooms. In 1998, the 3rd additon was completed, adding the south wing.

Our Campus

Ascension is blessed to have a beautiful well-maintained campus, including the Church, Little Church, Parish Hall, Parish Offices.  The Educational complex encompasses the Little School, Elementary School, Middle School, and Library. The campus also features a Gymnasium, Multi Purpose Room, Playground, and Sports Fields, as well as multiple sites for prayer and reflection.

Board Of Education

The Ascension Parish School Board was established within the guidelines of the Catholic Education Office of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and operates under a constitution revised and ratified April 26, 1993. According to Article II of the Constitution, the nature and functions of the Board are as follows:

The purpose of the Board is to advise the pastor in making policy for the Parish School. The School Board is a means by which the pastor can share his authority and responsibility for educational policy-making. This shared policy-making authority sets the direction by specifying the goals of the educational program and the general framework within which the program operates. The Board is not an administrative body; it does not deal with the means to achieve the ends specified by the policies.

The Board of Education has the following functions:
  • Assisting in the establishment of philosophy and goals for the Parish School
  • Interpreting and applying the policies of the Archdiocese Board of Education
  • Formulating additional policies which may be necessary
  • Evaluating the implementation of policies
  • Advising the pastor on fiscal matters relating to the Parish School
  • Providing a forum for communication and education for the parents
  • Preserving the Board’s decision

PARISH BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICERS FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

  • President, Jamison Boyd
  • Secretary, Erica Fridlin
  • Member, Tamara Bruce
  • Member, Lisa Dolan
  • Member, John Marino
  • Member, Maggie O'Shaughnessy
  • Member, Alina Rubinshteyn
  • Member, Chris Saak
  • Member, Tom Schweitzer
  • Member, Tom Shaner

As spiritual head of the local parish community, and as chief administrator of the parish, the pastor has the ultimate responsibility for coordinating programs in the parish. Because the board is advisory to him, the pastor is not a voting member of the board. His interest, presence, and encouragement are vitally important to the effectiveness of the board. The pastor works with the board to encourage free dialogue and to foster a cooperative and collaborative relationship in the making of policy. Though the pastor shares with the board the responsibility for the parish educational programs, he cannot delegate his responsibility for religious education or for the allocation of parish income.

The principal is responsible for the administration of the school and serves as an ex-officio member of the board. The principal is a non-voting member of the board and is responsible for the following: Implementing board policies, providing information on the programs and education in general, and assisting the board in the formulation of policy.

Core Values

Faith, Family, Knowledge, Leadership, Respect and Service